Macbeth : key quotes

Fair is foul, and foul is fair - the witches (act 1, scene 1)

• things are not as they should be

• Introduces us to the theme of order vs chaos , suggesting events about to unfold are not as they should be

• Links to idea that the King is viewed as God in Jacobean society so killing them would distrust the natural order of the world

‘In thunder, lightning, or in rain’ - the witches (act 1, scene 1)

• introduced the witched and uses pathetic fallacy to set a scene of chaos

• Also link to Jacobean views that witches can control the weather

‘Brave Macbeth ‘ Captain (act1 scene 2)

‘Noble Macbeth ‘ Duncan

• macbeth’s initial description before we meet his character

• Gives him a good impression

‘Valiant cousin’ Duncan (act1 scene 2)

• suggest closeness and trust with word cousin

‘Bellonas bridegroom’

• bellona is Greek goddess of war, implies he is married to her and so married to war

• Foreshadows his violence

• Irony as in begin his violence is rewarded later on he is seen as a tyrant because of it